Who are the Guides?
All Bike Alpine tours are accompanied by Yvonne and Merle. We have an intimate knowledge of the region gained from having lived and cycled in the area. We look forward to sharing our knowledge of and enthusiasm for the region as we cycle with you.

What are daily routes like?
All our routes are designed for cyclists who are fit. Bike Alpine Tours are geared to cyclists who enjoy riding on a fairly regular basis. Route options exist for most days with daily distances averaging between 65 and 120 km. All of the routes chosen meet four criteria; scenery, cultural interest, low traffic, riding excitement. Difficult routes include long challenging climbs and downhills with grades of 6-8% and occasional grades exceeding 13%. Easier routes have much less climbing. Detailed route descriptions and maps are provided, and all cyclists are free to bike at their own pace.

What does Bike Alpine use for accomodation?
We consider three factors when choosing accomodation; comfort, view, the charm factor, and accessibility.  Accomodation includes family owned hotels and holiday apartments and bed and breakfasts. Hotels and bed and breakfasts are generally of a three star rating.

What is a supported tour?
A supported tour is one in which you do not need to carry your gear in panniers on your bicycle. The support van carries all luggage and supplies and is available to assist you should you experience mechanical difficulty. The van is not intended to shadow riders. We recommend that riders select the route options that are within their cycling ability. The van is available should riders experience illness or mechanical problems. It is also used as a shuttle to access the regions which we cycle.

What are groups like?
Bike Alpine welcomes all who share our love of cycling. We enjoy a mix of singles and married couples on our tours. Bike Alpine prefers groups of 6-8 participants so that we can give you the personal attention you deserve! For 1999 we will also customize tours for your family, club, or any group of 6 persons. Call us for details!

What should I know about flights and airport transfers?
If you fly into Basel Switzerland we will provide pickup and dropoff. If you take the train from Frankfurt we will do a pickup/dropoff at the Mulheim train station. It is best to contact us for advice on connections to make once you have been accepted for a tour. Most airlines will carry your bicycle as one of the allowable pieces of luggage. I have found that, outside of a bike bag, wrapping the bike in a light plastic tarp (front wheel off) was the best method for packaging.

How do I make my payments?
Full payment by check or bank draft is due 60 days before trip departure. Bike Alpine reserves the right to regard reservations for its tours canceled when payment of the balance is not received when due.

How do I make a Cancellation/what about refunds?
Payments for all Bike Alpine Tours, less the $250 deposit, are refundable if Bike Alpine is notified of the cancellation in writing more than 60 days before trip departure. Cancellations received less than 60 days but more than 30 days before trip departure will result in loss of 50% of the cost of the tour. No refunds can be made for cancellations received less than 30 days before trip departure.

Do I need Insurance?
Bike Alpine strongly recommends trip cancellation insurance in case of personal or family medical emergency.

Release of Liability Form
A release form will be sent to you and must be returned to Bike Alpine prior to departure.

Helmets
Bike Alpine requires all bicyclists to wear helmets. Please bring your own!

Bicycle Theft and Damage
Bike Alpine does not take responsibility for theft to tour participants property or damage sustained to your bike or other property during the tour. Make sure your bike is locked or guarded whenever you're not riding it.

Room Arrangements
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available on the hotel trips and a single supplement will be applied.

Changes to the Itinerary
Due to unforeseen circumstances Bike Alpine occasionally must alter the accommodations or routes from those mentioned in the itinerary. All efforts are made to select an alternative hotel of the same high quality and to keep the route changes to a minimum. Bike Alpine also reserves the right to cancel a tour for any reason. In the unlikely event that this happens a refund of all money received will be made.

How do I convince my non-cycling spouse that I need a cycling vacation?
Sorry! No answer for this one. Send us your ideas.